Pet Peeves and Boutiques...

When I was a teenager, with a size 9 shoe and trying to find that shoe size long before internet and mail order, it was difficult to locate.  I grew up in Rapid City, so you would not think it would have been difficult in the 60's, but it was.  "Sweetbriars" was the name of the local store and there was definitely not the selection that a teenager would see today.  Seems funny today when you think about it.

We all have our pet peeves or in this case a cause, and this one might seem trite to some.  Seeking "plus size" fashions is near and dear to my heart and has been a longtime quest of mine to locate them outside of a 'department store', and those that actually fit to size. When I was in high school it should not have been that difficult because of my size at the time, then add height and it was a recipe for trouble; it was difficult, and frustrating and remains that way today.  However, it is considerably easier these days with stores like Lane Bryant, CJ Banks, Catharines, Avenue, Torrid and others. This brings me to why I'm blogging about this topic today.  

Boutiques are bursting on the scene.  Maybe they have always been there; they are just identified as 'boutiques' these days.  In my opinion, and maybe I'm misguided, but most of them have skinny fashions and fit those who really seem to have what society deems...the "perfect" or "preferred" body size. Finding boutiques that feature all sizes is going to be a quest of mine, especially "plus sizes." I want to know about them and share with you about my service.  

It's not easy for a boutique owner, or small business to provide for all the sizes there are in this world, and not just sizes, but individual tastes as well. How does a small business begin to target everyone, AND afford it? 

Not that my opinion matters but I guarantee you "plus size fashions" is a market you do not want to leave behind.  I think there has always been a need for it, but it's a Hollywood thing..."plus size" doesn't meet up with the cute, twiggy type influence, plain and simple. Don't leave us behind. We are a cash-credit-debit-card-carrying market that you do not want to over look. Those shops or boutiques that do leave us behind will miss out.  If you know or own a business with "plus size" fashions, please let the world know and that begins with Travel Backroads.  Check out my website under Directory by Category and let's get your small business listed so others can find you and your "plus sizes!" 

Looking forward to doing business with you,
Joan